To be honest I think there are too many cool places to see in Thailand and to see the most of the country I would suggest 4 weeks in Thailand. Though it is understandable that not everyone has the time and the money to go on a Thailand trip for 4 weeks. As there are so many different things to do I cannot just name the best Thailand itinerary. 14 Days is too short to see everything, but it is possible to squeeze in the highlights.

Over the last years I have been traveling around Thailand 17 times and therefore I am sure I can give you the best advice. Because Thailand is one of the best places to go on your first backpacking trip I know for sure you are going to have fun. This may be one of the most popular travel destinations for millennials in the world so be prepared to meet people during your 2 weeks in Thailand.

In total I set up 4 different Thailand itineraries for you. One that sticks around the North and mainly concentrates on Culture and Culture, one island hopping Thailand route, one that has best of both worlds and a fourth surprise itinerary that I would also highly suggest if you are a little more flexible when it comes down to flights.

2 Weeks in Northern Thailand – Culture and Nature with a slice of islandlife

2 nights in Bangkok

You might think if your 2 week itinerary for Thailand is focused on culture and nature Bangkok is not the right place to be. But take a bike tour around Bangkok and I am sure you change your mind as you will see the rural areas of Bangkok including the local life in one afternoon. The famous train market is 45 minutes away from the city but really worth going, take a look at more cool things to do in Bangkok in this link.

1 night in Ayutthaya

This former capital of the Ayutthaya Kingdom is a must see if you are into old temple complexes and lies only 2 hours North from Bangkok. The remains of the old kingdom are now declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and wandering around these old temples you will understand why. Don’t miss the giant reclining Buddha, the Buddha head in the tree and the Wat Phra Mahathat complex.

2 nights in Chiang Mai

Continue North to Chiang Mai by train or bus and enter a vibrant city in a lush green region up North in Thailand. Chiang Mai truly is a travelers hub and no wonder why so many travelers strand here. Cheap massages, good food, laid-back city life, cooking classes and bustling night markets is what make Chaing Mai special. There are many cool day trips from Chaing Mai as well: see Buddhist temples, elephant sanctuaries, jungle treks or visit hill tribes.

1 night in Pai

If you are adventurous hop on a motorbike and explore the region yourself. Driving a scooter from Chiang Mai to Pai or the other way around is an amazing trip to take while 2 weeks in Thailand. Pai itself is even more off the beaten track with its beautiful ricefields and lovely local lifestyle.

Where to stay in Pai

There is not much choice if you want to stay in luxury accommodation in Pai, as there are no 5 star hotels, but the most exclusive options are very affordable. If you want to splurge a little on your trip Pai is the place to do so.

2 nights in Chiang Rai

If you want to see the most amazing temples in Thailand then you cannot skip Chiang Rai. The White Temple is most probably the most fascinating temple you will ever see and is located close to Chiang Rai, Furthermore you should explore the Golden Triangle with its amazing landscapes, viewpoints, waterfalls and indigenous tribes.

Where to stay in Chiang Rai

2 nights Koh Chang

After more than a week it is time to go a little more South. Fly through Bangkok to Trat airport on the border with Cambodia. This is the fastest way to get to off the beaten path islands in Thailand Koh Chang and Koh Kood. Koh Chang is a travers favorite and a chilled hippie island. Sip cocktails on the beach, peddle around in a kayak and see the waterfalls in the National Park.

Where to stay in Koh Chang

2 nights Koh Kood

Ko Kut is just a short boat ride away from Koh Chang and even more laid-back. This is the perfect island to unwind and get your beach days. Strolling around on the beach is the best thing to do on this island apart from getting drunk and watch stars.

Where to stay in Koh Kood

With Soneva Kiri being one of the most prestigious hotels in Thailand you are at the right place if you want to spoil yourself, but expect Western prices for this property. Unfortunately there is not much choice in the budget range.

2 nights Koh Samet

For your last two days on your Thailand itinerary for 14 days go to the lesser-visited Koh Samet on your way back to Bangkok. There are actually day trips here from the capital, but to really enjoy the island stay here overnight. Try to go snorkeling and feel like swimming in an aquarium and jump on a scooter to find completely deserted beaches. The island is small and getting lost is impossible. Enjoy the delicious seafood on the beach at night.

Where to stay in Koh Samet

2 weeks in Northern Thailand budget

This itinerary for two weeks in Thailand is mainly focused on nature and culture with some relaxing days at the beach in the end. Because you stick around in the North of Thailand transportation costs are limited and therefore this Thailand backpacking route can easily be done on a budget of like $30 per day. Long distance busses to Chaing Mai cost only $15, but to save time I would look into cheap domestic flights as well. Through AirWander you can find the best deals for multi stopover flights.

14 days in Thailand itinerary #2: The best islands in Thailand in 14 days

There are too many amazing islands to visit in Thailand to put them all in 2 weeks. All islands are so different from each other though that I can understand you want to make the most of your Thailand vacation and you want to see as much as possible. Therefore in this island hopping Thailand route I put the best places to visit all in 1 itinerary for 2 weeks.

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1 night in Bangkok

You are in Thailand to feel the summervibe and get the islandlife feeling. Therefore don’t waste time in Bangkok. Although an amazing city with awesome things to do you will only spend 1 day in Bangkok. Go for a bike tour with Ko van Kessel and see the Chinatown, the rural areas, the canals, some temples and have a traditional Thai lunch. After the tour you watch the sunset in a rooftop bar and party in Khao San Road before you take a taxi to the airport to fly to Phuket.

2 nights in Phuket

Phuket is a bustling and crowded peninsula but also a great hub for day tours to the outer islands, which are in fact way more beautiful than Phuket itself. Phuket is nice to roam around on a scooter but it is pretty sized. Therefore you better off island hopping from Phuket. Check out the amazing day trips to Coral Island or the Ratcha Islands. Another option is the nearby Koh Yao Yai or James Bond Island. At night party hard on Bangla Road in Patong.

Where to stay in Phuket

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2 nights in Koh Phi Phi

Unmistakably one of the most popular islands in Thaland for partying. Some say that a Thailand trip won’t be complete without seeing Koh Phi Phi. But to temper your expectations, this place is crowded! Still stunning, but may be not as amazing as on the pictures. The parties on the beach though are fabulous. There are many beach bars to choose from and I am sure you will also have a good time in the small streets on the island. There are so many travelers on Phi Phi that meeting people is easy.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi

2 nights in Koh Lanta

Unwind a little bit from a hectic Thailand vacation so far after the bustling Phuket and Koh Phi Phi. Jump on a scooter and find you own spot on one of the long beaches in Koh Lanta. Have a chilled ice cold beer in a bean bag and watch the sun go down in one of the relaxing reggae bars on the West side of the island.

Where to stay in Koh Lanta

2 nights in Ao Nang

You won’t find Ao Nang in many 2 week Thailand itineraries but I think it definitely needs a spot. The amazing Railay Beach and Tonsai Beach are only a 10-minute boat ride away and you could also opt to stay there overnight. A day trip to Hong Island is definitely worth it and a sunrise hike to the viewpoint in Tab Kak Hang Nak can also not be missed!

Where to stay in Ao Nang/Railey Beach

2 nights in Koh Tao

Having spent almost 5 months on Koh Tao over the last years I am biased to name this the best island to visit in Thailand. But there are so many cool things to do in Koh Tao that I am sure you will have an amazing time. Whether you are here to explore deserted bays on a scooter, climb to viewpoints, go snorkeling or diving or party on the beach with fellow travelers, Koh Tao is a place where everything is clustered on a small island and you can get away with not renting a scooter and still see the whole island. This is your ultimate islandlife island: flipflops, board shorts, and

2 nights in Koh Phangan

As I am more a fan of untouched islands I suggest 2 nights in Koh Phangan and only 1 night in Samui. I compared Koh Samui with Koh Tao as they are so different. Koh Phangan is green, quiet and more often beaten path. Exploring the Northern parts with its deserted beaches and awesome coastal walks is something that can’t be missed. Another thing that surely needs to be on your agenda is the famous Full Moon party or one of the many other parties: Half Moon, Black Moon and Jungle Party. Find out which one is my favorite in the link.

Where to stay in Koh Phangan?

1 night in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is your end station on your 14 days Thailand itinerary. Koh Samui international airport will fly you anywhere in the world through Bangkok. But first enjoy a laid-back stroll around Fisherman’s Village and have a sunset cocktail at Air Bar to end your Thailand vacation in style.

Where to stay in Koh Samui

For mid-range and budget there are so many good places available. Take a look at the hotels advised by TripAdvisors for Koh Samui.

After following this 14 days Thailand itinerary I am sure you need to detox for a couple weeks. The islands are incredibly seductive to go back to. They are always calling trust me! I have now been 17 times on a Thailand trip and I still can’t get enough of it. There are many things I miss about Thailand and I enumerated them in this list.

2 weeks in Thailand budget

Expect to spend at least about a $50 - $70 per day for this Thailand itinerary as there is a lot of travel involved and although the beach parties are free to go to, 100 beers at the end of the week are equal to $200 as well. But that means you had a great time! Right? Want to know more prices in Thailand then click on the link and check out detailed cost of living in Thailand. Transportation is not expensive but as you are traveling every second day in this itinerary expect to pay around about $25 average per trip. With boat trips being cheaper, flight may be a little more expensive. Try fiding cheap flights with the award winning flight search engine AirWander.

Thailand trip itinerary #3: Best of both worlds – Island hopping and culture in 2 weeks in Thailand

Bangkok – Chiang Mai – Pai – Phuket – Phi Phi – Koh Phangan – Koh Tao

Thailand is not only about island hopping there is way more than that in the North. Some people say that there is no real Thai culture left on the islands and that is somehow true. For a cultural experience you have to travel around Thailand in the Northern regions. Go trekking, see temples and meet the most friendly locals before you fly to the islands for some summervibes and this all fits in a Thailand itinerary for 14 days.

2 nights in Bangkok

There are a ton of crazy things to do in Bangkok when you are there for the first time. I guess you are still a bit jetlagged so taking a stroll through the city and its markets is a great way to start your Thailand vacation. See the temples at Grand Palace, the big Buddha Wat Pho and the best temple in Bangkok Wat Saket. Don’t miss the sunset in sky bars, Chinatown and the Patpong Night Market.

2 nights in Chiang Mai

Get your cultural craving here up North were to some the real Thailand still exists. There are jungle tours, trekking opportunities and simply living a laid back life in the green hills surrounding Chiang Mai. There are elephant sanctuary parks, but please do not ride an elephant and choose wisely where you go.

2 nights in Pai

Go off the beaten path in Thailand and head to Pai, close to the Myanmar border. Enjoy the tranquility, the rice fields and the good food. Also make sure you cross the Memorial Bridge, visit the Pai Canyon and hike up to the Yun Lai Viewpoint. If you are brave enough to drive a motorbike in Thailand then rent one and drive yourself back to Chiang Mai. You wont be disappointed making this amazing trip and surely it will be one of the highlights of your 2 weeks in Thailand itinerary.

Where to stay in Pai

Luxury accommodation in Pai is not like in the rest of Thailand, the options are very limited. But they are very affordable and I am sure you can afford the best places to stay in Pai. The question is do you want to spend that much money on accommodation. If you have read my travel on a budget blog you know that traveling is not the same as a holiday.

2 nights in Phuket

Fly from Chiang Mai directly to Phuket and start your Thailand island hopping adventure here. Roam around Phuket on a scooter and get to see the big white Buddha statue . Black Rock Viewpoint is also cool to drive up to. Bangla Road in Patong is an crazy place to go out or for a more chilled vibe try to get a spot at Baba Nest Phuket. The best thing to do in Phuket is to explore the surrounding islands on daytrips: Coral Island is a cool photo spot for example.

Where to stay in Phuket

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2 nights in Koh Phi Phi

If you are reading Thailand travel blogs you will always see Koh Phi Phi popping up so who am I to not send you there. But be prepared to party and don’t expect deserted beaches. Koh Phi Phi is great for meeting people, not for those who are looking for peaceful islandlife vibes. Those people should change Koh Phi Phi for Koh Yao Yai on their Thailand Itinerary. 14 days is over before you know so choose wisely!

2 nights in Koh Phangan

Yes I skipped Koh Samui as I think it is comparable to Phuket and Koh Phangan is completely different from the rest of the islands. Get lost into the green center of Phangan on a scooter and find hidden yoga gems. Head to the North to hike along the coast and find deserted bays. Of course this is the best island in Thailand to party with the world famous Full Moon party being held every month on the beach in Haad Rin. On top of that there are more organized parties like the Half Moon Festival, Black Moon and the Jungle Party. Koh Phangan is a famous stop on most Thailand backpacking routes.

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Where to stay in Koh Phangan

2 nights in Koh Tao

When traveling around Thailand for 2 weeks make sure you always go to Koh Tao. Although after the recent Koh Tao Murders it has a bad name, this still is one of my fave islands in Thailand. There is adventure around every corner, in the ocean as well as on land. What to do in Koh Tao? Snorkeling, island hopping, hiking, sunset viewpoints, beach parties, deserted bays and of course diving. Go from Koh Tao to Bangkok by boat/bus combination or fly through Koh Samui, Chumpon or Surat Thani. Check the cheapest domestic flights through AirWander.

This 2 weeks itinerary for Thailand can already be done for around $40 per day if you live local. Renting a scooter in Thailand cost about $4 a day, sleeping in guesthouses can be found for less than $10 a day. The flights and the boat rides will be the most expensive. But in total you should be able to keep the Thailand trip costs for this itinerary under $600.

Route #4 for two weeks in Thailand: Island Hopping from Malaysia to Thailand - Start in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia end in Bangkok, Thailand

I know this article is called 2 weeks in Thailand, but I also want to suggest another great itinerary, which starts or ends in Malaysia. The best beaches in Thailand are in the Southern islands close to the Malaysian border and to get there is a little off the beaten track in Thailand. They are actually best reached from Malaysia and therefore I included this itinerary for 2 weeks in Thailand into this article as an extra option.

2 nights in Kuala Lumpur

Not everyone is raving about this city but spending 48 hours in Kuala Lumpur is not a punishment at all. Start your days roaming around the old city of KL and have some snacks in the streets of Chinatown. Just before sunset head to Heli Lounge Bar and experience the sunset from a helipad on top of a skyscraper with views over the KL Tower and the world famous Petronas Towers. End your day in the shopping mall underneath the towers at KLCC, stroll through the park around and have a drink at the top of the Traders Hotel before you go out in the bustling Changkat or Bukit Bintang. Trust me you won’t regret starting your Thailand trip in Malaysia.

Where to stay in Kuala Lumpur

2 nights in Langkawi - Fly from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi

You are on an island and yes the beaches are awesome here but make sure you also take the cable car up the mountain. From here you will have amazing views over the island, but the coolest thing to do is to walk across the Langkawi Sky Bridge. Langkawi is an island full of adventure with zip lining, the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park and the many night markets.

Where to stay in Langkawi

2 nights in Koh Lipe – start of your Thailand vacation

From Langkawai take the 1,5h boat trip to cross the border into Thailand. The islands in the Koh Lipe archipelago are where you will start traveling around Thailand and you will straight away stumble upon the best beaches in Thailand. Needless to say that this little paradise is perfect to go island hopping. Take one of the many tours to see the surrounding islands, make sure you go diving or snorkeling and simply enjoy one of the most remote islands in Thailand. Trust me at the end of your two weeks in Thailand you will still remember the beach of Koh Lipe!

Where to stay in Koh Lanta

2 nights Koh Phi Phi

In almost every Thailand itinerary for 14 days you will find Koh Phi Phi. To some it is overrun by tourists to some it is the best island in Thailand to party. Famous for ‘The Beach’ with Leonardo di Caprio and the Tsunami in 2002, Koh Phi Phi got completely back on its feed and partying on the beach at night is probably the number one thing to do in Koh Phi Phi. Try to go to the famous beach in the (very) early morning or be disappointed! Hike to the viewpoint for awesome views.

Where to stay in Koh Phi Phi

2 nights in Phuket

When you have read my island hopping Thailand tips then you know Phuket is not my favorite destination in the land of smile. On the other hand it is a great stop on your Thailand backpacking route as Phuket is a great hub. Not only because of its international airport but also because the surrounding islands make great day trips from Phuket. Go island hopping from Phuket and visit Koh Yao Yai and James Bond Island or drive a scooter around the peninsula and find deserted bays. Watch the sunset at Baba Nest Phuket and party hard in Patong.

Where to stay in Phuket

2 nights in Bangkok

Take one of the many daily direct flights from Phuket to Bangkok and enjoy your last two days of your 2 weeks in Thailand in the crazy capital. Take a nostalgic tuktuk ride to the Grand Palace, a boat ride over the river and a drink in one of the many rooftop bars. Don’t miss to roam around Khao San Road, the worlds most famous backpack street. See the huge golden Buddha Wat Pho, go on a bike tour around Bangkok. Read all the funthings to do in Bangkok in the link including the train market, a floating market and wake boarding.

Budget for 2 weeks in Thailand

If you are planning a trip to Thailand I understand you want to know how much you need to budget. In all my Thailand travel blogs I constantly tell people that you can make it as expensive as you want. If you want a 2 weeks itinerary for Thailand on a budget I can give you the exact same route then if you are a luxury traveler. This country is a place where you can find something for everyone.

A Thailand vacation can be really cheap if you eat local, sleep in guesthouses or hostels and travel local. Your 2 weeks in Thailand budget could be as less as $30 a day including all transportation. You can find cheap flights if you book in advance. Take a look at Airwander for amazing flight deals with free stopover deals.

Trains in Thailand are cheap and so are busses, which I think are more comfortable. There is no need to sign up for island hopping Thailand tours as you can explore most of the islands by yourself. Some tours you need to book, but ask around and you will find a place with a decent price. For a complete guide how much money you need for traveling in Thailand click on the link.

Rent a scooter or not in Thailand?

In almost all places to go in Thailand I recommend you to rent a motorbike and I already hear you asking is that safe? Yes renting a motorbike in Thailand is just as safe as back home. If you don’t know how to drive a scooter then simply don’t rent one! As long as you drive responsible you will be fine. Wear a helmet, be insured and have an international drivers license, don’t drink and drive and stick to the basic rules in traffic. Traffic in Thailand may seem chaotic, but once you are part if it you will feel the vibe. Traffic is way more relaxed in Thailand then you think and Thai people will help you find your place on the street. Don’t worry go rent a motorbike in Thailand.

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Comments

I had a coworker take a year off work to live in Chiang Mai and all he did was attend cooking classes, hike, tour the country and essentially do whatever he wanted. Sounded like a dream when I was stuck in the 9-5, but I now I realize it's not that hard and I'm planning to do the same so this is an extremely helpful post. I would especially love to visit an elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai.

The night train is a good option, adventurous, good fun, very comfy and a cool way to travel. Sometimes though a flight can be just as expensive as the train. If you want to save money go for the bus. They depart a couple times a day. Click on the 12Go Asia banner to find out the exact times and prices but I think it is about 600THB only.

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My name is Tom and my biggest passion is obviously traveling. In 2008 I decided to go on a trip around the world and in 1 year I traveled through 24 countries from North America to South America, New Zealand, Australia and finally South East Asia.

I got back to the Netherlands and saved as much money as I could and in December 2012 I quitted my job again and ever since I am traveling the world. I have now been to almost 100 countries and this website and my social media accounts help me to travel the world. Traveling makes me a better person with ever day I am on the road. Don’t waste time live now, go out and explore the world! May you want to help a little please use my affiliate links. Thank you very much!

With this blog I love to give back and help you make the most out of your trip. I hope these tips will help. May you have specific questions please get in touch with me.